Allison played for Gophers coach Tubby Smith - he was assistant Saul Smith's teammate - for two seasons at Kentucky before he transferred in 2000 after he was suspended following a drunken-driving arrest.

Smith released the following statement about Allison's death Wednesday: "I am deeply saddened by the news that Desmond Allison has passed away," Smith said in a statement released by the university. "He was a gifted athlete that was taken from us way to soon. He will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

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Marcus Fuller joined the Star Tribune in 2016 after 11 years covering Gophers sports – and just about every other team and league in town -- for the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Before making the Twin Cities his home, Marcus spent two years in The Kansas City Star sports department. Marcus grew up in Hawaii and is a 2002 graduate of San Jose State. Follow Fuller on Twitter @Marcus_R_Fuller.